100-year-old man gets honorary tech degree from Wentworth

BOSTON (AP) _ A 100-year-old New Hampshire man has been awarded an honorary degree from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he last attended 78 years ago.

Willard Merrill’s son, John Merrill, also a Wentworth alum, picked up the honorary bachelor of technology degree for his father at Saturday’s commencement. John Merrill also received an honorary degree, as part of his 50th class reunion. The Merrills had earned associate degrees 28 years apart.

Willard Merrill, who is well but was unable to attend, said he’s “elated.”

“It caps off the story of my life; I’m quite honored,” the Durham, New Hampshire, man said in remarks released by the school.

He got his degree in machine construction and tool design in 1937 after finishing high school during the Great Depression. John Merrill graduated in 1965.

“We honor their extraordinary lives, and their innovative spirit, which has been and forever will be a hallmark of the Wentworth experience,” said Wentworth President Zorica Pantic.

Anil D. Jha, a 1968 Wentworth graduate and founder and chief executive of HydroNovation Inc., delivered the keynote address and received an honorary doctorate of engineering technology.